Sri Lanka Women Chase Down 151 to Beat New Zealand by 5 Wickets

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Women produced a stunning performance to defeat defending champions New Zealand Women by five wickets in a thrilling ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group 2 clash in Southampton, securing a historic victory that has reignited their campaign.

Chasing a competitive target of 151, Sri Lanka reached 153 for 5 in 19.4 overs in a tense finish, sealing the win with just two balls to spare and handing New Zealand their second consecutive defeat of the tournament.

Earlier, New Zealand Women posted 150 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first. The innings was anchored by captain Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine, both of whom scored 45 runs, providing stability in the middle overs. However, despite their efforts, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack prevented the White Ferns from setting a bigger total.

Sri Lanka’s chase began steadily but soon faced early setbacks. The side lost their first wicket at 45 in the 5.5 over when Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed, followed quickly by Vishmi Gunaratne at 47 in 6.5 overs. The pressure intensified as Hasini Perera fell at 53 in the 8th over and Harshitha Samarawickrama departed at 55 in 8.3 overs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 55 for 4.

With the game slipping away, Nilakshika Silva emerged as the match-winner with a composure-filled knock. Walking in at a critical stage, she rebuilt the innings with Kavisha Dilhari, who contributed 17 runs before falling at 105 in the 15th over.

Silva then found an ideal partner in wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana, and the pair turned the match decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour with an unbeaten stand. Nuthyangana played a fearless cameo of 24 not out off 14 balls, while Silva anchored the innings with a superb 54 not out off 37 deliveries, guiding the team home in the final over.